Spotlight on Instagram health and fitness star Zanna van Dijk

Chocolate, waffles and pancakes are all allowed in Zanna van Dijk’s regime

Who? The health and fitness advice of a 6ft 2in blonde model might seem intimidating, but Zanna promises her approach is accessible, balanced and sustainable. The 24-year-old personal trainer from East Yorkshire (the Dutch name is from her father) is something of an Instagram star; over 132,000 people follow her recipes, workouts and pictures showing her toned physique. She has also modelled for Tommy Hilfiger, designed an activewear range and hosted supper clubs. Her debut book, featuring more than 80 exercises and 40 recipes for ‘lasting health and happiness’, has just come out.

Big break Zanna had little interest in fitness until she was at university. ‘During one essay-writing stint, I chomped my way through a pack of chocolate fingers and then needed a nap. I avoided exercise like the plague, battled bad skin and often felt tired.’ After deciding to start eating better and working out, she documented her efforts on social media four years ago and, when she graduated in 2014 with a first in speech therapy, she was offered a personal training course to blog about and hasn’t looked back.

What’s the big idea? Chocolate, waffles and pancakes are all allowed in Zanna’s regime – in moderation. Her website features ten recipes for brownies alone. But Zanna advises eating healthily most of the time – her own diet includes lots of salmon and roasted vegetables. She also lifts weights and does high intensity interval training classes. ‘Fitness isn’t about abs and thigh gaps – I just love pushing my body to be the best it can be,’ she says.

New year’s inspiration ‘Start with small changes such as drinking more water, training two or three times a week and eating more greens. You’re more likely to stick with it.’

What’s next? Zanna is headlining Balance Festival in London from 12-14 May; balance-festival.com.

Zanna’s first book, Strong, is published by Headline, price £16.99. To order a copy for £12.74 until 15 January, visit you-bookshop.co.uk or call 0844 571 0640; p&p is free on orders over £15